as in lie
a statement that is only partly true and that is intended to deceive people
I'm tired of all these half-truths—I want to know the real story.
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Recent Examples of half-truth
This is a dangerous half-truth.
—
Randy Niemeyer, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
Don’t settle for half-truths; seek meaningful joy.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026
Some information is useful, some is harmful and some are half-truths that can cost you real money.
—Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026
People who rely on half-truths often underestimate how visible their behavior becomes.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
In this environment, influencers and politically motivated accounts now function as de facto broadcasters, often spreading half-truths, distortions or outright falsehoods with little accountability.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
Over the next 90 years, tourism in Natchez blossomed around half-truths and omissions.
—Joe Sills, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Social media spread half-truths faster than public-health leaders could correct them.
—Robert Pearl, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
Seasoned watchers of Potomac will know this to be a half-truth.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 8 Dec. 2025
Randy Niemeyer, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
Don’t settle for half-truths; seek meaningful joy.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026
Some information is useful, some is harmful and some are half-truths that can cost you real money.
—Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026
People who rely on half-truths often underestimate how visible their behavior becomes.
—Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
In this environment, influencers and politically motivated accounts now function as de facto broadcasters, often spreading half-truths, distortions or outright falsehoods with little accountability.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
Over the next 90 years, tourism in Natchez blossomed around half-truths and omissions.
—Joe Sills, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Social media spread half-truths faster than public-health leaders could correct them.
—Robert Pearl, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025
Seasoned watchers of Potomac will know this to be a half-truth.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 8 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for half-truth
Noun
-
There, a mad, out-of-control Mary lives on as tenaciously as George Washington’s inability to tell a lie.—
Thomas Mallon,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
As their lies unravel, Nora and Jack try to outsmart one another.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
18 May 2026
Noun
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Because either McCluskie is one heck of a con man who rolled both Becerra and Williamson, making both believe what was happening was kosher with entirely different tales, or someone isn’t being entirely honest.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
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The bittersweet tale infused with humor and sadness chimed with the Cannes audience.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
Noun
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Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.—
Jo Yurcaba,
NBC news,
16 May 2026
-
Eggs, sushi, and crypto The account paid attention to smaller stories, too.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Half-truth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/half-truth. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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